Te Rōpū The Organisation
The function and purpose of the organisation has shifted its focus significantly since the first festival in 1972. We have grown from not only focusing on kapa haka and the many faces of excellence in the arts into an organisation that contributes positively to the overall health and social wellbeing of Aotearoa, Whānui, through the vehicle and means of Kapa Haka.
Our Purpose
Ki te whāngai, ki te manaaki, ki te whakatipu I ngā mahi kapa haka kia pūāwai ki ōna taumata
Fostering, supporting and growing kapa haka in the pursuit of excellence
Our vision
"Mana motuhake ki te kāinga. Matatū, Mataora, Matatini ki te ao."
Contribute positively to the overall health and social wellbeing of Aotearoa whānui, through the vehicle and means of kapa haka.
Mā tini, mā mano ka rangatira a kapa haka
Kapa haka flourishes through the efforts of many
Te Pītau Whakarei | Our Strategic Plan 2017-2027
Te Pītau Whakarei 2017-2027 is our 10-year strategic plan that aims to widen our reach by undertaking research on the benefits of kapa haka, whilst also investing in our diverse communities.
Te Pītau Whakarei offers the creation of wealth and opportunity for kaihaka and our many stakeholders. We believe that by combining the wisdom of our elders, the beauty of our Reo and the best available global knowledge we will:
- improve the wellbeing of our communities in a measurable way
- achieve economic sustainability
- create a better world for our mokopuna
- preserve the strengths of our cultural identity
- preserve the cultural and creative environment for future generations
- achieve international excellence in indigenous performing arts.
Our Values
The values of Te Matatini are represented in the stylised and symbolic Huia icon, where the Huia bird represents:
- Beauty
- Leadership
- Excellence
- Prestige
With the redesign of the Te Matatini brand, the reconnection of iconic tohu, the Huia, reinforces the values of Te Matatini, fostering development, progression, the flight of Te Matatini towards excellence and leadership in all aspects of kapa haka and Māori Performing Arts.
The colour palette emulates the shimmer of tones of the Huia that are reflected from the light that gleams from the movement of the manu.
Our History
In 1970 the Polynesian Festival Committee was established (also known as the New Zealand Polynesian Festival Committee, the National Polynesian Festival Committee, and the Aotearoa Traditional Māori Performing Arts Festival National Committee. Now it is known as the Te Matatini National Committee).
From 1996 – 2004, the Aotearoa Traditional Māori Performing Arts Society Incorporated was established to support the Te Matatini National Committee.
On 9 November 2004, ATMPAS became Te Matatini Society Incorporated continuing to support the Te Matatini National Committee.
Our People
We have a national board to guide our strategic direction, 13 rohe-based Pou Takawaenga that provide kapa haka leadership at a regional level, and a national office team, all working together as a whānau to achieve our purpose - fostering, supporting and growing kapa haka in the pursuit of excellence.
Our Name
The name Te Matatini was gifted by the late Professor Wharehuia Milroy to acknowledge the many faces that bring life to kapa haka.
‘Māori Performing Arts brings together people of all ages, all backgrounds, all beliefs, Māori and non-Māori alike, participants and observers. When I look, I see many faces, young and old’ - Professor Wharehuia Milroy